Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Happenings

The Bluffs’ Restaurant

The Bluffs’ Restaurant is now open for business Tuesday thru Saturday, 3 pm until 9 pm.   The restaurant is operated by the Kinchen family, known for the original Caboose Restaurants in Louisiana as well as their current Caboose Restaurant in McComb, Mississippi.  Their restaurants serve only U.S.D.A Black Angus Beef and the freshest local seafood and produce.   Menu items include various appetizers, soups, salads, steaks, pork chops, chicken, seafood and several signature entries.  A children’s menu is also available.  The phone number is 634-3000.

 

Wing It Sports Grill

New owners, Pete and Maria Peterson, will be re-opening Wing It Sports Grill on Monday, November 23.  Hours are 11 am until 9 pm, 7 days a week.  They will, of course, be closed on Thanksgiving Day, but will re-open on Friday following at their regular hours.  Wing It is located in Spring Creek Shopping Center off of Wilcox Road.

 

Live Music at The Mag

Every Friday night The Magnolia Café features live music on the porch.  This Friday, November 20 – United We Jam; November 27 – Delta Drifters.

 

The Blue Room

The grand opening of The Blue Room will be this Friday, November 20.  Located in the Vinci Building at Three Corners, The Blue Room is celebrating with Happy Hour from 7 pm until 9 pm, hors d’oeuvres and live entertainment by Two if by Land Band.  You are requested to wear your “dressy blue” for the occasion.

 

Thanksgiving Day Schedule

The OxBow Restaurant will be open for Thanksgiving Day and is accepting reservations for seating from 11:30 am until 2:00 pm.  They will be serving their regular menu.

Attractions closed on Thanksgiving Day include:  Audubon State Historic Site, The Cottage Plantation, Greenwood Plantation, The Myrtles Plantation, and Rosedown Plantation State Historic Site.

 

Christmas Symphony Concert

Only the location has changed – this year the St. Francisville Symphony Association Christmas Concert will be held at Hemingbough on December 4 at 7:00pm with Dessert Reception to follow.  The brilliance of the Baton Rouge Symphony Brass and Percussion with Timothy Muffitt, Music Director, and David Toms, Conductor, is sure to bring out your holiday spirit with popular selections we all know and love!  Come and relive the joyous memories of holidays past and create a cherished new tradition.  Tickets are available at the Bank of St. Francisville or at BRSO, 225-383-0500.

 

A St. Francisville Christmas Carol

The St. Francisville Transitory Theatre announces its 2009 Christmas Special Production – A St. Francisville Christmas Carol.  Director Sarah Hickox will take the classic Dickens tale and set it in a place we all know and love.  Back from a year off, James Lanius and his creative crew are ready retell the story of Ebenezer Scrooge’s sleepless night in typical Transitory style.  They’ve decided that 19th century London just isn’t interesting enough!  Performances are held in conjunction with the annual Christmas in the Country celebration and will be Saturday, December 5 at 4 pm and again at 7:30 pm, and again on Sunday, December 6 at 4 pm and at 7:30 pm.  Admission is $10 for adults, and $8 for students and seniors.  The play will be performed at Jackson Hall so there will be plenty of seating.  For more information, visit www.sftheatre.wordpress.com.

 

A Colonial Christmas

Experience A Colonial Christmas at Audubon State Historic Site on Saturday, December 5.  Oakley Plantation House will be trimmed in the style of the 1800s.  From 10 am until 5 pm, visitors will see a plantation Christmas dinner setting and rooms decorated for the holiday season.  The plantation kitchen will feature the day’s meal being prepared over an open hearth, and costumed staff will explain how the holiday celebration differed from what is traditional in modern times.  In addition, various hands-on craft demonstrations will be located throughout the park.   For more information, call 635-3739.

 

Christmas in the Country

This annual hometown celebration is set for the weekend of Friday, December 4 through Sunday, December 6.  The First Baptist Church Children’s Choir will sing on the front porch of Town Hall beginning at 5:30 pm, followed by the West Feliciana Middle School Choir singing on the front lawn at 6 pm.  They will make sure that Mayor Billy D’Aquilla doesn’t light the Town Christmas Tree too early!  After the lighting of the tree, there will be fireworks before the Mayor invites all to an open house and reception inside Town Hall where a certain man in a red suit will be there to hear some Christmas wishes.  The West Feliciana Parish Hospital will have a Balloon Release for the Relay for Life before the fireworks.  From 6 pm until 8 pm, you are invited to “Peep Into our Holiday Homes” as participating residents invite you to step up onto their porch and see their holiday decorations inside.  Don’t forget the annual Baton Rouge Symphony Concert at Hemingbough at 7 pm.  Throughout the weekend, Grace Episcopal Church and its members present an art exhibit – “Saints & Angels” in Jackson Hall with all proceeds going to the Anglican Diocese of Honduras for their mission work.  You can also check out the downtown shops for late night shopping.

 

Holiday Baking Contest

Christmas in the Country will hold a holiday baking contest this year on Saturday, December 5.  Entries must be delivered to the tent in Parker Park by 10 am, and judging is set for 11 am.  There are three categories of competition:  decorated cakes and desserts; candy and cookies; food gifts.  Awards will be given in both Adult and Student categories.  For more information, call 635-3614

 

Homegrown & Hip

That’s the theme for this year’s Christmas in the Country which continues on Saturday, December 5.  Beginning with a Prayer Breakfast at the Methodist Church Fellowship Hall at 7:30 am, the day continues with Breakfast with St. Nick at Grace Episcopal’s Jackson Hall with three seatings – at 8 am, 9:30 am and 11 am.  The Women’s Service League urges you to make reservations by calling 202-5403.  Tickets are $6 each.  Throughout the day there will be choirs and music throughout the downtown area, and for a complete schedule, check out www.stfrancisvillefestivals.com.  Parker Memorial Park will be filled with food, music and children’s activities like spacewalks, train and pony rides, games, The Main Street Band, Christmas photos and lots of food and fun.  Vendors will also be displaying and selling their homemade items such as jewelry, photographs, honey, paintings, t-shirts and much more.  All of these activities at Parker Park will be from 10 am until 4 pm.

 

Christmas Parade!

The Women’s Service League presents this fabulous children’s parade that begins at 2 pm on Saturday, December 5, and travels along Ferdinand and Commerce Streets.  This year’s theme – Homegrown & Hip – pays tribute to our local Farmers Market, its wonderful farmers and dedicated organizers.  Following the parade at 6 pm will be a Community Sing Along at the Methodist Church on Royal Street, and a Live Nativity from 6 pm until 8 pm at the First Baptist Church at the corner of Highway 10 and 61.

 

Candlelight Tour at Oakley

As an added feature of A Colonial Christmas on Saturday, December 5 at Audubon State Historic Site, candlelight tours of Oakley House will be given from 6 pm until 8 pm.  During the tour, traditional holiday snacks such as roasted chestnuts, fig puddings and wassail will be served.  There is a $2 adult admission fee with children 12 and under and senior citizens (62 and older) admitted free.

 

Christmas Tour of Homes

This tour of contemporary homes in West Feliciana Parish will be held on Sunday, December 6 from noon until 5 pm.  Tickets are $15 and will be on sale at the West Feliciana Historical Society Museum and at the Women’s Service League Fresh Wreaths booth on Ferdinand Street.  Homes on tour this year include the homes of Richard and Judy Campbell on Sweetwood Hollow in The Bluffs; Chuck and Marsha Holms on Barrow Place in The Bluffs; Mike and Julie Bordelon on Plantation Drive in Plantation Ridge; and Mark Sigler on Hwy. 966 in Starhill.

 

Holiday Party?

Ashleigh at The Carriage House Restaurant says they are now accepting reservations for your holiday party, whether it is a family gathering, an office party or a social club celebration.  Leave the details to them and relax and enjoy the fun with your guests.  She can be reached at 635-6278.

 

Friday, November 6, 2009

Happenings Nov. 4, 2009

Farmer’s Market
Michelle Roth called last Friday to say that the Farmer’s Market has closed shop for the year.  The recent heavy rains have played havoc with the crops so they decided to close until the Spring.  Thanks to all who supported our local farmers, and especially to the farmers for all their hard labors to provide us with quality produce grown locally.

Live Music at The Mag
Friday night at The Magnolia Café means live music on the porch.  This Friday, November 6 – Emily Branton; next Friday, November 13 – Copas Trio.  Music begins around 7 pm.

The Beast Master
The West Feliciana Parish Parks & Recreation Department is hosting the inaugural Beast Master, a mountain bike race on Saturday, November 7.  This time trial format race takes place on the challenging Beast trail located at the WFP Sports Park.  Race registration starts at 7 am with the Beginner Event starting at 9 am.  Remaining racers start at 10:15 am and thereafter.  Entry fee is $10, and there will be prizes, T-shirts and free food and drink for riders.  Visit www.tunicatrails.org or email info@tunicatrails.org for more information or to volunteer to help.

Community Treasure Sale Day
This Saturday, November 7 from 8 am until, the Downtown Merchants and the International club are hosting a Clean Out Your Closet and Storeroom Sale Day.  Visit sale locations at The BirdMan Coffee & Books, Sage Hill Gifts, St. Francisville Inn, Hillcrest, Belle Glen Traditions, the Historical Society Museum, Grandmother’s Buttons and The Shadetree Inn.  It’s another great way to get your holiday shopping started!  For set up information, call Laurie Walsh at St. Francisville Main Street, 635-3873.

Outdoors at Audubon State Historic Site
Saturday, November 7, and the interpretive staff at Audubon State Historic Site has a full day of outdoor programs scheduled.
Here’s the list:
Ecosystem of Audubon State Historic Site at 10am:  This one-hour program will focus on one of the many ecosystems found at ASHS. Guests are invited to explore the nature around the park, and learn about how the different habitats and creatures interact with each other.
Tree Identification Walk at 11am:  This program focuses on a more specific aspect of nature, and allows guests to Audubon SHS the chance to learn about the forest that surrounds them.  The identification walk covers the park and discusses many of the important and significant trees found here.
Guided Nature Hike at 1:00 pm and again at 3:00pm:  A short hiking tour of Audubon SHS.  The hike focuses on the naturally forested area surrounding the plantation home as well as the original paths, which John James Audubon would have used during his stay at Oakley in 1821.  The program allows guests a chance to observe the natural beauty, which surrounds the home. 
Plants and Animals of Oakley at 2pm:  This program invites guests to interact with the animal and plant life surrounding Audubon SHS.  There will be hands on animal demonstrations as well as introductions to the plants that one should be most aware of when hiking the grounds at Audubon SHS. An admission fee is charged. For more information call Audubon State Historic Site at 1-888-677-2838 or 225-635-3739.

Old West Florida at Audubon SHS                
In preparation for the Bicentennial of the Republic of West Florida to be celebrated in 2010, the folks at Audubon State Historic Site offer this program.  On Sunday, November 8 from Noon until 4pm, the interpretive staff invites the visitor to explore the unique and rich history of the Felicianas, from Spanish Colony to early statehood.  Activities may include black powder weapons demonstrations, costume talks, period crafts, and more.  An admission fee is charged.  For more information call Audubon State Historic Site at 1-888-677-2838 or 225-635-3739.

Monday Night Feasts!
The Carriage House Restaurant at The Myrtles Plantation is now offering All You Can Eat Fried Catfish and All You Can Eat Fried Jumbo Shrimp on Monday nights only. Monday Night Football will be on the big screen!  For more information, contact them at 635-6278.

Open Hearth Cooking
The staff at Audubon State Historic Site will be cooking up something special on Saturday, November 14.  Between 10 am and 4 pm, the staff will present a cooking demonstration on the open hearth, and guests will see the different methods used to prepare and cook foods in the 1800s.  Guests will also witness the different types of foods which would have been served to the Big House during this time period.  An admission fee is charged. For more information call Audubon State Historic Site at 1-888-677-2838 or 225-635-3739.

Football at Georges
Jeff at Georges of the Felicianas invites you to the sports bar on the side of the restaurant where you can eat, drink, and watch the LSU and undefeated Saints!  Georges is located across from the Post Office on Commerce Street.  Their phone number is 635-4711.

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Happenings

Grandmother’s Buttons

Everyone is invited to Grandmother's Buttons annual Champagne Holiday Open House this Thursday, November 5, from 5:30 to 8:30 pm. The store will be closed during regular business hours that day as they "deck the halls," opening at 5:30 with champagne, a table of holiday treats, a coffee bar, door prizes and special sales. A great way to shop early for the best selection, and have fun at the same time!  Grandmother’s Buttons is located on Royal Street in the Historic District of St. Francisville.

 

Farmer’s Market

Michelle Roth called last Friday to say that the Farmer’s Market has closed shop for the year.  The recent heavy rains have played havoc with the crops so they decided to close until the Spring.  Thanks to all who supported our local farmers, and especially to the farmers for all their hard labors to provide us with quality produce grown locally.

 

pARTy in the Ville

This Thursday, November 5 at 7 pm, the girls have put together another painting party at Sage Hill Gifts & Antiques.  This week’s artist is Nancy Smitherman from Baton Rouge.  (To see some of her work, visit http://www.artbynancysmitherman.com.)  You bring the cocktails, and the appetizers, paint supplies, and fun are supplied! The artist gives step-by-step instructions so you can paint your own piece of art to take home. The cost is only $35 so make your reservation by calling 635-6596.

 

Live Music at The Mag

Friday night at The Magnolia Café means live music on the porch.  This Friday, November 6 – Emily Branton; next Friday, November 13 – Copas Trio.  Music begins around 7 pm.

 

The Beast Master

The West Feliciana Parish Parks & Recreation Department is hosting the inaugural Beast Master, a mountain bike race on Saturday, November 7.  This time trial format race takes place on the challenging Beast trail located at the WFP Sports Park.  Race registration starts at 7 am with the Beginner Event starting at 9 am.  Remaining racers start at 10:15 am and thereafter.  Entry fee is $10, and there will be prizes, T-shirts and free food and drink for riders.  Visit www.tunicatrails.org or email info@tunicatrails.org for more information or to volunteer to help.

 

Community Treasure Sale Day

This Saturday, November 7 from 8 am until, the Downtown Merchants and the International club are hosting a Clean Out Your Closet and Storeroom Sale Day.  Visit sale locations at The BirdMan Coffee & Books, Sage Hill Gifts, St. Francisville Inn, Hillcrest, Belle Glen Traditions, the Historical Society Museum, Grandmother’s Buttons and The Shadetree Inn.  It’s another great way to get your holiday shopping started!  For set up information, call Laurie Walsh at St. Francisville Main Street, 635-3873.

 

Outdoors at Audubon State Historic Site

Saturday, November 7, and the interpretive staff at Audubon State Historic Site has a full day of outdoor programs scheduled.  Here’s the list:

Ecosystem of Audubon State Historic Site at 10am:  This one-hour program will focus on one of the many ecosystems found at ASHS. Guests are invited to explore the nature around the park, and learn about how the different habitats and creatures interact with each other.

Tree Identification Walk at 11am:  This program focuses on a more specific aspect of nature, and allows guests to Audubon SHS the chance to learn about the forest that surrounds them.  The identification walk covers the park and discusses many of the important and significant trees found here.

Guided Nature Hike at 1:00 pm and again at 3:00pm:  A short hiking tour of Audubon SHS.  The hike focuses on the naturally forested area surrounding the plantation home as well as the original paths, which John James Audubon would have used during his stay at Oakley in 1821.  The program allows guests a chance to observe the natural beauty, which surrounds the home. 

Plants and Animals of Oakley at 2pm:  This program invites guests to interact with the animal and plant life surrounding Audubon SHS.  There will be hands on animal demonstrations as well as introductions to the plants that one should be most aware of when hiking the grounds at Audubon SHS. An admission fee is charged. For more information call Audubon State Historic Site at 1-888-677-2838 or 225-635-3739.

 

Old West Florida at Audubon SHS                

In preparation for the Bicentennial of the Republic of West Florida to be celebrated in 2010, the folks at Audubon State Historic Site offer this program.  On Sunday, November 8 from Noon until 4pm, the interpretive staff invites the visitor to explore the unique and rich history of the Felicianas, from Spanish Colony to early statehood.  Activities may include black powder weapons demonstrations, costume talks, period crafts, and more.  An admission fee is charged.  For more information call Audubon State Historic Site at 1-888-677-2838 or 225-635-3739.

 

Monday Night Feasts!

The Carriage House Restaurant at The Myrtles Plantation is now offering All You Can Eat Fried Catfish and All You Can Eat Fried Jumbo Shrimp on Monday nights only. Monday Night Football will be on the big screen!  For more information, contact them at 635-6278.

 

Open Hearth Cooking

The staff at Audubon State Historic Site will be cooking up something special on Saturday, November 14.  Between 10 am and 4 pm, the staff will present a cooking demonstration on the open hearth, and guests will see the different methods used to prepare and cook foods in the 1800s.  Guests will also witness the different types of foods which would have been served to the Big House during this time period.  An admission fee is charged. For more information call Audubon State Historic Site at 1-888-677-2838 or 225-635-3739.

 

Football at Georges

Jeff at Georges of the Felicianas invites you to the sports bar on the side of the restaurant where you can eat, drink, and watch the LSU and undefeated Saints!  Georges is located across from the Post Office on Commerce Street.  Their phone number is 635-4711.

 

Library Tour of Homes Cancelled

The Friends of the Library’s annual Christmas Tour of Homes, initially set for Sunday, December 6, has been cancelled for this year.   If you would like to join the Friends of the Library, please contact the West Feliciana Parish Library at 635-3364  or any Friends member.